Red Ribbon drug rally Monday afternoon

Students and community members will gather on the town green to show their solidarity against drug abuse during the Red Ribbon Rally on Oct. 15, a Southington tradition that goes back two decades.

The annual event, put on by the Southington Drug Task Force, is typically upbeat and full of cheers and laughter, but the rally has a somber origin. It ties in with the national Red Ribbon program, which originated in 1988 to honor the memory of murdered drug enforcement agent Enrique Camarena. At Camarena’s funeral, family and friends wore red ribbons to honor his commitment to keeping dangerous substances away from communities.

The rally will take place from 6-7:15 p.m. In case of rain, the program will be moved to Derynoski School.

There will also be a poster contest. Leave the poster for judging by the Southington High School Key Club. Winners will be notified at a later date.

Pictured are JFK Students Frankie Ferrante, Sam Petro, Kat Rothstein, and Shawn Fortier with their Drug Rally Posters that they are submitting for the Red Ribbon Rally Poster Contest.